Finding an oncology dietitian in Illinois

Eating can get hard during cancer treatment. Taste changes, nausea, a sore mouth or weight loss can all make a normal meal feel like work. A dietitian who works with people in cancer care can help you plan around what you're going through, alongside your oncology team. Here's how to find one in Illinois and what to check first.

Start with your cancer center

Many cancer centers have dietitians on staff or know who to refer you to. Ask your oncologist or nurse navigator first. They know your treatment plan, and a referral keeps everyone on the same page.

What the letters after a name mean

  • RDN or RD: a registered dietitian nutritionist, credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • CSO: Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, a board certification from the Commission on Dietetic Registration for registered dietitians who meet its oncology experience and exam requirements. About the CSO.
  • LDN: Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, the Illinois state license.

Check the Illinois license

Illinois licenses dietitian nutritionists through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You can look up anyone's license on the state's site. IDFPR dietitian nutritionist page. If you see someone by video, they generally need a license in the state where you are during the visit, so an Illinois license matters even for telehealth. Rules can vary, so ask the dietitian.

Questions worth asking before a first visit

  • How often do you work with people in cancer treatment?
  • Will you share notes with my oncology team if I ask you to?
  • Do you see people by video, in person, or both?
  • What does a visit cost, and can you give me a superbill to send my insurer? (A superbill doesn't guarantee reimbursement.)
  • How do you handle supplements? A good answer includes checking with your oncology team first.

Coverage for nutrition visits varies by plan and diagnosis. Call the number on your insurance card to ask what yours covers.

Hear when Illinois practitioners join Alongside

Alongside connects people in cancer care with practitioners who work with their oncology team, and we verify each practitioner's license before they can accept patients. Leave your email below and we'll send one note when a practitioner licensed in Illinois joins.

No one licensed in Illinois yet.

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Are you an Illinois dietitian?

If you work with people in cancer treatment, you set your own rates here. See how joining works.

This page is general information to help you find a practitioner. It is not medical advice. Talk to your oncology team before changing your diet or starting a supplement during treatment. Alongside is not affiliated with IDFPR, the Commission on Dietetic Registration or any cancer center.